James Wilson is set for a big future at Manchester United

James Wilson looks set for a big future at Manchester United, with reports suggesting that Louis van Gaal is confident that the youngster is a more encouraging long-term option than Danny Welbeck.

Welbeck - a popular club stalwart who graduated through the Red Devils' youth setup - was allowed to leave Old Trafford on transfer deadline day following the loan signing of Colombian international Radamel Falcao, joining Arsenal on a long-term deal believed to be worth a total of £16 million.

And according to The Guardian, Manchester United boss Van Gaal is confident that Wilson will prove a better prospect than Welbeck and believes he has the talent to eventually succeed the likes of Robin van Persie.

Confidence boost

Such faith from a manager of Van Gaal's undisputed caliber should surely provide Wilson - who has made a considerable impact with the U21 side - with an enormous confidence boost moving forward.

The 18-year-old - an England youth international who has represented his country up to U19 level - has only made one senior Premier League appearance for Manchester United in his short career to date.

That came towards the end of last season, during club legend Ryan Giggs' interim period in the managerial dugout. Wilson was certainly not shy in showcasing his potential on that occasion, marking his debut with a brace in a morale-boosting 3-1 home win over FA Cup finalists Hull City.

Wilson has yet to feature in the top-flight this season, although he was introduced at the expense of Nick Powell as a 57th-minute substitute in Manchester United's frankly humiliating 4-0 Capital One Cup second round defeat to League One outfit MK Dons in Buckinghamshire last month.

While Wilson is obviously one for the future, it seems somewhat doubtful that he will be given much of a chance to shine in the coming weeks.

Although the respective exits of Welbeck and Javier Hernandez - who joined Real Madrid on loan before the close of the transfer window - has eased the fierce competition for places somewhat, the presence of a truly world-class talent such as Falcao will mean Van Gaal is under pressure to keep all of his reputable attacking stars happy.

QPR clash

Falcao is expected to make his Manchester United debut this weekend for the match against Harry Redknapp's newly-promoted Queens Park Rangers, with fellow new arrivals Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo - as well as Luke Shaw - also expected to feature.

Manchester United fans, what do you make of Wilson? From the little you have seen, do you believe he is a better future option than Welbeck? Could he lead the line under Van Gaal one day? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box provided below.

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